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Good People (1997)

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Javon Jackson is best known as a hard bop tenor saxophonist inspired by Joe Henderson. On this CD, however, he really stretches himself and shows that he is continuing to develop an increasingly personal voice. In addition to two challenging originals and a blues, Jackson performs a Brazilian piece (which has a verbal introduction in Portuguese by percussionist Cyro Baptista) and songs by John Coltrane ("Exotica"), Carlos Santana and Tony Williams ("Emergency," from his Lifetime fusion period). With the assistance of a core group that includes acoustic guitarist Fareed Haque, funky organist John Medeski (from Medeski, Martin & Wood), bassist Peter Washington and drummer Billy Drummond (plus two guest appearances from the fiery rock guitarist Vernon Reid), Jackson plays some of the most adventurous solos of his career. Intriguing music. ~ Scott Yanow